NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has once again omitted Mt Kenya from its latest grassroots election schedule, fueling speculation over the ruling party’s dwindling influence in the region.
The party’s National Election Board (NEB) on Thursday announced that the second phase of its grassroots polls will take place in 22 counties on April 11 and 12—but conspicuously missing are counties in ex-deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s backyard.
This is the second time UDA has bypassed Mt Kenya in its internal elections, despite initially planning to include Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Kiambu, Embu, Meru, Murang’a, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, and Laikipia in last year’s postponed schedule.
The decision comes amid growing political tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, with the latter hinting at launching a new political party in May, aimed at consolidating Mt Kenya’s political base.
UDA’s Grassroots Polls Schedule
According to UDA’s NEB chairperson Antony Mwaura, elections will be held as follows: April 11 – Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, Turkana, Kisii, Nyamira, Bungoma, Migori, Siaya, and Kisumu.
April 12 – Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu, and Tana River.
In a statement, Mwaura said the exercise will be open to all aspiring candidates, with 586,000 party positions up for election from the ward level to the national level.
“This is part of efforts to revamp, rejuvenate, and strengthen party structures ahead of the 2027 general election,” he noted.
Mt Kenya played a pivotal role in Ruto’s 2022 election victory, delivering overwhelming votes for UDA.
However, recent political shifts—including Gachagua’s open discontent with Ruto’s handling of the region’s affairs—suggest a growing rift between the President and his deputy.
Gachagua, in an interview with Kikuyu vernacular radio stations last week, criticized the state of UDA affairs and confirmed plans to unveil a new party that will represent the region’s interests.
The move to omit Mt Kenya from grassroots elections could be a strategic effort by UDA to navigate internal divisions or an indication that the party is losing grip on the region ahead of 2027.
Observers believe the upcoming grassroots polls will test UDA’s strength and internal democracy, with the results likely shaping the political landscape in the lead-up to the next general election.
